Marty's 'retirement' letter

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74


Haven't seen this here yet, (which is surprising) so I thought I'd post it.

I'll save comments for when I have more time ...

<<To: All Imagineers and Jay’s EC

I’ve always thought that the two most important dates in Disney’s parks and resorts occurred in July and October. It was on July 17, 1955 that Walt realized his “dream come true” with the dedication of Disneyland. October 1, 1971 and October 1, 1982 marked the official opening days for the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom and for Epcot (then “Epcot Center”).

There’s an extra relevance for me: I was a working Disney cast member for all three of these openings…and for the eight that have followed. From Tokyo to Paris, Orlando to Anaheim, and finally (so far!) Hong Kong, I’ve sweated the final details of construction, installation and show “buy-offs” leading to the openings of all eleven Disney parks around the world. It is with considerable pride that I can say, “I’m the only Disney cast member who has participated in all eleven of those openings.”

I’m anxious to join my fellow Imagineers at the next grand opening, too. But for me, the thrill of watching those gates open and the first guests eagerly racing to the attractions that are already their favorites, will be different next time. Because I’ll be cheering you all on from the sidelines, as a retired Imagineer.

I have decided to turn in my name tag on one of those prime dates: July 17. In 2009, that date will mark Disneyland’s 54th birthday, and my 53rd year as a Disney cast member. (I returned to UCLA after Disneyland’s first summer to finish my senior year, then returned to Disneyland’s public relations department in September 1956.)

Naturally, I’ve been thinking back over those 53 years, and what memories they are, starting with that summer day in 1955. I can still see Walt reading the dedication plaque at Disneyland’s opening. Little did I dream that day, as a 21 year old, that I would spend parts of ten years writing personal material for that amazing man, one of the best known and loved in the entire world.

Of course, July 17, 1955 was just the first of those beautiful blank pages we would fill. It was my luck to be “the kid” among the pros…first in public relations at Disneyland, then at WED Enterprises, Walt’s own company – the home of the original Imagineers.

It was here at Imagineering, beginning in 1961, that my real education truly began. I owe much to UCLA (today I’m even a member of the Alumni Board of Directors), but my greatest “teachers” were right here in Glendale: John Hench, Di ck Irvine, Herb Ryman, Claude Coats, Marc Davis, Blaine Gibson, Fred Joerger, Harriet Burns, Bill Martin, Rollie Crump, Roger Broggie, Bill Evans, Harper Goff, Bill Cottrell, Bob Jolley, Wathel Rogers, Yale Gracey. They were – they are – the true Legends, and though I was truly “the kid” among them, they accepted me and made me part of their team.

I had the privilege (as my own career grew from Staff Writer to Vice President of Concepts and Planning, and then to President and Vice-Chairman and Principal Creative Executive of Imagineering) of working with so many amazing talents, past and present. The Legends defined Imagineer and Imagineering, and you have carried on in the tradition they established: the standard of excellence. Walt created Imagineering, but Imagineers made it sing and dance. What Imagineers design and build has few precedents, but many followers.

Today your ability to marry new stories and characters with the wonders of new technologies is exciting to watch. I have long marveled at the capacity Imagineers have for letting new genies out of their bottles, granting wishes large and small for millions of guests around the world every year.

When I became the creative leader of Imagineering in 1974, one of the first calls I received was from the CEO of Disney, E. Cardon Walker. Walt Disney World had just celebrated its third birthday. “Now,” Card said, “what are we going to do about Walt’s idea for Epcot?”

The next 30 years or so filled so many blank pages they are almost like one of those “flip books”, where everything’s a blur. We created nine more Disney parks, including the five in international locations. Imagineering lived up to its roots and truly became the premiere design, engineering and construction organization in the world. The traditions of passion for our product, great storytelling and inspirational risk-taking – the traditions begun by Walt and those original Imagineers – not only continued, they grew and spread across the oceans.

For the last three years, as your Imagineering Ambassador. I’ve had a great time speechmaking and writing about creativity and leadership. I think I exceeded Jay’s expectations when he asked me to take on this role. We have created “Imagineering Week at the Studio”, represented all of you at special events and talked to thousands on college campuses, at IAAPA and TEA, at conventions across the country and Disney programs and events around the world. And I’ve had fun (that’s our business!) writing for many Disney outlets, especially my philosophy and history communications through Sklargazing on the WDI website.

Now it’s time to turn the page. So many of you have asked that I have finally actually begun writing that book about the people, the places and the passions I have experienced as an Imagineer.

As I said three years ago when my “ambassadorship” began, I know you will keep on dreaming big dreams, and creating the newest and best in the world. I’ll still be looking over your shoulders, cheerleading, and filling new blank pages. It’s the most important Imagineering tradition.


Marty Sklar >>

~too bad he isn't taking Fitzgerald with him!~

 

Originally Posted By danyoung

Well, I know there are many who haven't been happy with Marty's actions of late, pretty much spouting the company line at all times. But there's no doubt that he contributed a lot to the Disney park world, right from the beginning in the 50's. I wish him well in his retirement, and thank him for many years of valuable service.

 

Originally Posted By Mr X

Waiting for Spirit to "have more time", cause I'm dying to hear your take on this!

As for me, I know nothing of the guy, but obviously he's been working for the Disney company for a long time (I'm not all that clear on WHAT he was actually responsible for though...he helped Walt Disney open Disneyland, right? and since then?)...

 

Originally Posted By MinnieSummer

Interesting. I didn't realize he had been with the company so long. I wish him well and hope this book he's writing will fill the void he will no doubt feel after he leaves.

 

Originally Posted By FerretAfros

It's a shame to have someone with so much experience leave, but I'm happy that he's doing it on good terms with the company. That's a very nice letter highlighting his work over the years too. I hope that he does continue to be at least somewhat involved with any future parks, as he certainly has more experience than any one else out there. He's done a great job over the years and I wish him well for the future.

 

Originally Posted By retlawfan

And he's a nice guy. I've met him a few times. I sat next to him for an event even. He's a real class act.

I wish Marty all the best in retirement. And yes, he'll be missed in the Disney creative community.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

I wouldn't be at all surprised if this wasn't totally his idea, given all the buyouts offered to execs throughout Parks & Resorts. Methinks Marty was made an offer for retirement that was simply too good to pass up.

 

Originally Posted By retlawfan

I think that actually happened a couple of years ago when he became an ambassador of Imagineering (or whatever his title was).

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

Of course the Imagineering Ambassador position wasn't his idea. Burbank wanted young blood at the helm of Glendale (Bruce Vaughn) but they didn't want to embarrass Marty by kicking him straight to the curb. So they created the Ambassador position to appease the fans and demonstrate that they still valued Walt's legacy and those Imagineers who helped shape it. Of course, I doubt Burbank ever intended for Marty to remain as Ambassador beyond a few years.

No way this retirement is his decision alone. I cannot begin to fathom Marty voluntarily leaving Disney, ever. Ditto for Baxter. Which now makes me wonder if Tony's retirement letter won't be too far behind.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

I wish Marty all the best in his retirement. He is deserving of his title as a Disney legend. He oversaw the most amazing period of development WDI ever saw and a period of creativity that I don't feel will ever be matched (certainly not by TWDC anyway).

The period of the 80s/early 90s when EPCOT Center, TDL, Disney-MGM, DLP, TL, PI etc ... became reality was just incredible.

But I wouldn't be entirely honest if I didn't also state my opinion that Marty sold his soul in the late 1990s to remain with the company. When you knew and worked with Walt (and all the GREATS he mentioned in his letter) you know exactly what kind of parks DCA, DSP and HKDL were/are. You know exactly what standards Walt expected in his park and how those are regularly tossed aside to today as antiquated (quality never is). So while I have a great deal of respect for what Marty accomplished, I can't help but feel the same way I did when Michael Eisner was forced out.

He overstayed his welcome and diminished his own great legacy by hanging on. He towed the company line on BAD decisions and he played favorites with certain Imagineers over others.

Walt didn't want ferris wheels and other lightly themed amusement park rides in his parking lots or cartoon characters on Small World. Of course, he likely didn't want to be the Timeshare King of the World, have people miss themed queues and pre-shows with special (Fast)passes, or have slovenly CMs wearing mall clothes and dangling pin lanyards either. But we'll never know ...

As to skinner's point about Marty maybe getting pushed out ... I tend to think it was a gentle nudge. Marty did what he did so he could stay with the company. He was a 'lifer' in the truest sense much like a John Hench or even a Dave Smith.

I got the idea when he was made Ambassador that he thought he'd be doing that for as long as he breathed. Especially now with D23, you'd think his role would be even more important with the fan community.

Strange. But again, I wish him the best. He had an amazing career.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Gotta admit I am finding it strange that no one wants to talk about Marty leaving.

He is a HUGE name at Disney. And he has contributed in a big way to some of the most amazing things the company has created. He did work with Walt and all the greats.

I suppose we could talk about swine flu, Arlen Specter and what 'purity' in the GOP really means or whether GM and Chrysler will exist instead ...

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

I will admit I have mostly been monitering this thread, ready to leap in if anyone directly attacked Marty Sklar's legacy. But for the most part, what has been written here has been respectful and accurate (albeit opinionated).

>>Which now makes me wonder if Tony's retirement letter won't be too far behind.<<
If it weren't for the greatly expanded presence of John Lasseter, I might be inclined to agree. But Tony still has a lot of good ideas to present to the public, and more security with another "true believer" in a position of real influence.

(And by security, I don't mean job security. I mean the kind of security a creative person needs in order to be willing to take risks, rather than toe the line in order to maintain a low profile.)

 

Originally Posted By sjhym33

I have been thinking about Marty leaving Disney since his letter. I think that it is easy to say that he should have fought harder (we dont really know what was going on behind closed doors) or he should have left Disney (easy to say when its not your mortgage).

I met Marty on a couple of occasions in semi-private settings and found him to be very interested in the quality of the parks and the responsibility of Walts legacy. An Imagineer that I worked with once told me that Marty was the one who continually spoke to Eisner about the importance of what Disney does and the importance of Disneys history. I have wondered what Disney parks would look like IF Marty had not been there as a reminder of the past. Things could be a lot worse. Like it or not Imagineers (including Marty Sklar) were CM's who could be "retired" at anytime. Just look at the talent that stepped down during the Eisner era. Men and women who knew Walt and worked at Disneyland.

Lastly, my Disney career straddled the Walt and Eisner eras. I worked for Walt guys and Michael guys. I don't like many of the changes that have occured over the years. Did we really need to turn Main Street into a mall? Did we really need to make all gift shops clones of each other? Was it a good idea to open parks on the cheap or put off the rack rides in the parks? The list goes on and on for me. However, I am also torn by the idea that so much has changed in the world since Walt died. How do you keep the parks relevant in 2009? As I look around I am not sure I have that answer so I am not surprised that neither do the Imagineers at times. I believe that Disney has done a good job of balancing its history while adding new things. Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Tower of Terror, RNRC, Soarin are all good attractions. I even find the Kim Possible missions to be fun. I guess what I am saying is that while things often seem bad they could also be a lot worse. I wish Marty Sklar a happy retirement.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

<<But Tony still has a lot of good ideas to present to the public, and more security with another "true believer" in a position of real influence.>>

Sounds like you're referring to Pete Docter. Pete is one of the Sacred Seven of Pixar, whose members do wield a certain amount of influence within Burbank.

That being said...

The economy is dealing a significant blow to Disney's bottom line right now, as it is to most entertainment corporations. That's the overriding factor in these labor reduction actions as of late. And by eliminating a few highly paid senior directors and executives and their support staff, Disney doesn't have to terminate dozens of less senior workers with more moderate salaries.

I'm sure Tony still has plenty of "good ideas" for DL. But at what cost? The man has been with WED/WDI for almost four decades, and has been a Senior Vice President for the latter half of his career, since 1989. Because of his longevity with the company, his salary and compensation are astronomical, as is Marty's.

Why should Disney keep these execs on their permanent payroll, especially given their age? Why not hire them as consultants on a project-by-project basis, just as the rest of the themed entertainment industry operates? The "threat from competition" argument used in the nineties to justify having a "stable of talent" in Glendale is so over. Disney is still the 8,000 pound gorilla in themed entertainment and will most likely remain that way for at least the next decade or two. Having a stable of permanent talent is no longer economically viable, especially with longer downtimes between projects.

The supply of technical artists who want to work in this industry clearly exceeds the demand, which is not likely to change for years to come. Keeping someone on the payroll at hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for a handful of "good ideas" might seem intelligent at first glance, but is financially wasteful over the long haul, given how few projects actually get the green light these days.

Compared to what other talented Imagineers can and do offer for a fraction of the cost, Marty and Tony are definitely overpaid for what they produce.

 

Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA

Truly, the end of an era. He will be missed.

 

Originally Posted By SuperDry

He's opened all 11 Disney parks around the world over his long career. Has anyone considered that instead of being shown the door, perhaps he's just ready to retire after a long and distinguished career? And he talks about writing a book. That can be hard to do on the side when you also have a full-time job. I wish Marty the best of luck in the next phase of his life.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

<<Has anyone considered that instead of being shown the door, perhaps he's just ready to retire after a long and distinguished career?>>

For about two seconds. Then I remembered who was retiring.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

For those who are unaware, Marty announced his retirement in the late nineties, stating he would retire right after Tokyo Disney Sea opened. That's why he received the Disney Legend award in 2001, when said honor is typically bestowed after retirement, not before.

Marty is cut from the same cloth as John Hench was. Disney is his life. Most everyone assumed that he would be working for Disney until his last breath, especially since he didn't retire over seven years ago after announcing that he would.

I find it difficult to believe that this decision is strictly based on free will. Either Disney is giving him the choice to retire or be involuntarily dismissed, or they're asking for wage/compensation concessions because of tanking profits, which Marty refuses to give. There's just no way that someone who's DNA is half pixie dust would be leaving of his own accord.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Marty is cut from the same cloth as John Hench was. Disney is his life. Most everyone assumed that he would be working for Disney until his last breath, especially since he didn't retire over seven years ago after announcing that he would.

I find it difficult to believe that this decision is strictly based on free will. Either Disney is giving him the choice to retire or be involuntarily dismissed, or they're asking for wage/compensation concessions because of tanking profits, which Marty refuses to give. There's just no way that someone who's DNA is half pixie dust would be leaving of his own accord.>>

Yep. My thoughts exactly ... I would hope he is in good health because that's the only thing that I could really see pushing him into the decision.

With the D23 push it makes no sense ...

On another subject ... notice how quiet this place has been of late? Has everyone lost their homes? Or is everyone hiding in fear from swine flu (a local high school was just shut down until next Thursdays because two kiddies apparently have it ... let the madness begin!)

Oh... and everyone have a magical weekend too!

 

Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt

^^^we are all in mourning over Marty's retirement *sob*